Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Exhibition on development of Chinese music opens in Shanghai

    Exhibition on development of Chinese music opens in Shanghai

    Shanghai’s Museum for Oriental Musical Instruments inaugurated a landmark exhibition on Thursday, presenting an immersive journey through China’s rich musical heritage and technological advancements in instrument craftsmanship. The collaborative endeavor between the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Shanghai Science and Technology Museum features three distinct exhibition halls with multiple specialized sectors.

    Among the extraordinary artifacts displayed is the world’s first set of meteorite-made chimes, demonstrated during the opening ceremony. The comprehensive collection traces the development of Chinese civilization through musical innovation, featuring historically significant instruments including the renowned bianzhong (bronze bells) from Marquis Yi of Zeng’s era and the classical seven-string guqin.

    The exhibition showcases China’s diverse ethnic traditions through an extensive array of regional gongs and drums, illustrating the fusion of ancient craftsmanship with modern technological approaches to musical instrument creation. Curators have designed the layout to demonstrate both the historical continuity and technological evolution of Chinese musical practices, from ancient ritual instruments to contemporary innovations.

    This cultural initiative represents one of the most complete presentations of China’s musical heritage, offering visitors both auditory experiences and visual displays that contextualize instruments within their historical and technological frameworks. The exhibition will remain open for public viewing, serving as an educational resource for musicians, historians, and the general public interested in China’s cultural legacy.

  • ‘Zootopia 2’ breaks record to become top-grossing Disney animation film

    ‘Zootopia 2’ breaks record to become top-grossing Disney animation film

    Walt Disney Animation Studios has achieved a monumental milestone as ‘Zootopia 2’ officially became the studio’s highest-grossing animated feature in its century-long history. The announcement made on December 31, 2025, confirmed that the sequel has surpassed the previous record holder, 2019’s ‘Frozen 2,’ with a staggering global box office performance.

    The animated phenomenon has joined an exclusive club as only the fifth Disney Animation Studios production to cross the coveted $1 billion threshold worldwide. Current estimates place the film’s total earnings at approximately $1.46 billion (Dh3.67 billion), demonstrating remarkable commercial success despite ongoing industry challenges.

    China emerged as the film’s most dominant market, contributing an extraordinary $560 million to its global total. During its opening weekend in Chinese theaters, ‘Zootopia 2’ captured nearly 95% of all ticket sales, showcasing unprecedented market dominance.

    The sequel launched the crucial Hollywood holiday season with an explosive $556 million global opening weekend. It reunites audiences with beloved characters Judy Hopps, the determined rabbit police officer, and her cunning fox partner Nick Wilde, as they embark on another adventure through the meticulously crafted animal metropolis.

    This record-breaking performance arrives as a significant boost to the entertainment industry, with global box office revenues still struggling to match pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Theater owners and studio executives alike have celebrated the film’s success during the year’s second-busiest moviegoing season, providing much-needed optimism for the cinematic exhibition business.

  • Esha Deol welcomes New Year in Dubai with emotional tribute to father Dharmendra

    Esha Deol welcomes New Year in Dubai with emotional tribute to father Dharmendra

    Indian actress Esha Deol commenced the New Year in Dubai with a poignant social media tribute to her late father, legendary Bollywood icon Dharmendra. Against the backdrop of Dubai’s illuminated skyline featuring the Burj Khalifa, Deol shared photographs from her celebrations that resonated deeply with fans and family members alike.

    One particularly emotional image captured the actress pointing toward the sky with a caption expressing ‘Love you, papa.’ This heartfelt gesture occurred just weeks after the passing of the veteran actor, who died on November 24 at age 89 after an illustrious career spanning decades in Hindi cinema.

    The tribute garnered significant engagement on social media platforms, including a red heart emoji response from her brother, actor Bobby Deol. The Deol family’s New Year carries additional emotional weight as Dharmendra’s final film ‘Ikkis’ premiered in UAE cinemas on Wednesday, adding a layer of professional legacy to the personal remembrance.

    Dharmendra, survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini along with children Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol, remains celebrated as one of Indian cinema’s most enduring and beloved figures. The family’s public and private grieving process continues to unfold against the backdrop of their ongoing professional commitments in the entertainment industry.

  • Visual displays illuminate art district’s New Year celebration

    Visual displays illuminate art district’s New Year celebration

    Beijing’s iconic 798 Art District transformed into a breathtaking digital canvas on New Year’s Eve, welcoming 2026 with an innovative celebration that merged cutting-edge technology with industrial heritage. The “Start New Year with Art” event attracted numerous visitors and local residents who engaged with interactive installations, including signature boards bearing messages like “Hi, My Dear Beijing” and “Happy New Year.

    Breaking from traditional single-countdown formats, this year’s celebration featured multiple synchronized countdown points distributed throughout the former industrial complex. The architectural centerpiece—the 100-meter-tall No 6 Chimney—became a dynamic display tower illuminated by digital fireworks that captivated audiences and drew collective gazes skyward.

    The event presented a sophisticated integration of digital art projections against the backdrop of preserved industrial structures, creating a striking contrast between historical architecture and contemporary visual technology. A massive 400-square-meter screen installed at one of the district’s main plazas showcased diverse artistic performances, including demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage.

    Beyond the visual spectacle, the celebration extended into the commercial sphere with over 50 restaurants and creative art retailers remaining open throughout the evening, offering visitors a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience that extended well into the new year.

  • Shah Rukh Khan, Alicia Keys: Dubai, Abu Dhabi star-studded on New Year’s Eve 2026

    Shah Rukh Khan, Alicia Keys: Dubai, Abu Dhabi star-studded on New Year’s Eve 2026

    The United Arab Emirates is poised to host one of the most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations in its history as international entertainment icons descend upon Dubai and Abu Dhabi for unprecedented year-end festivities. The Emirates’ cultural landscape will be dramatically transformed through a series of high-profile performances and exclusive events featuring some of the world’s most celebrated artists.

    Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has already arrived in Dubai, generating tremendous excitement across digital platforms. His participation anchors an ambitious eight-day festival orchestrated by Emaar Properties in Downtown Dubai, running from December 31 through January 7. The extensive program incorporates cutting-edge technology displays, immersive art installations, and live performances developed through a collaboration between Frontstage and Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. The centerpiece will be a specially ticketed event at Burj Park, featuring Bollywood-inspired performances and parades against the iconic backdrop of Burj Khalifa.

    Abu Dhabi simultaneously elevates its cultural offerings with the inaugural New Year’s Eve edition of the acclaimed Saadiyat Nights concert series. Grammy-winning songstress Alicia Keys returns to the UAE capital for her second appearance following a completely sold-out 2024 performance. The concert coincides with reports of the artist working on a new album scheduled for release in the coming year. Her performance will include career-defining hits such as ‘Fallin”, ‘If I Ain’t Got You’, and ‘No One’ as part of an extended concert season continuing through March with forthcoming shows by Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, and Lewis Capaldi.

    Additional luxury experiences include John Legend’s exclusive black-tie gala at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The multi-award winning artist will perform on the Palace Terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf, presenting beloved classics including ‘All of Me’ and ‘Love Me Now’ alongside gourmet dining and fireworks displays.

    Meanwhile, Atlantis The Palm prepares to host pop-rock phenomenon Maroon 5 for a comprehensive celebration featuring their greatest hits like ‘Moves Like Jagger’, ‘Sugar’, and ‘This Love’. The event combines a premium buffet dinner with panoramic fireworks viewing across Palm Jumeirah.

    These coordinated celebrations represent the UAE’s growing status as a global entertainment hub, offering both residents and international visitors an unparalleled convergence of musical excellence and luxury experiences to welcome the new year.

  • Shilpa Rao talks timeless songs, finding new sides of herself through music

    Shilpa Rao talks timeless songs, finding new sides of herself through music

    In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, acclaimed vocalist Shilpa Rao offers profound insights into her remarkable musical journey spanning nearly twenty years. The singer, recently honored with both Grammy recognition and a National Award, discusses the artistic evolution that has defined her career.

    Rao attributes her sustained relevance to continuous collaboration with brilliant musicians, writers, and directors, emphasizing that each project has revealed new dimensions of her artistic identity. Her approach centers on perpetual learning—whether mastering new techniques or developing patience and fresh perspectives on creative expression.

    The breakthrough year of 2025 marked significant professional milestones for the singer, who remains humbled by the accolades. She dedicates these achievements to her enduring support system: family, friends, and particularly fans who have embraced her genre-spanning explorations.

    When examining the enduring appeal of signature pieces like ‘Khuda Jaane,’ ‘Tose Naina,’ and the recent viral sensation ‘Ghafoor,’ Rao highlights the collaborative alchemy required for timeless music. She explains that visionary direction, lyrical-composer synergy, and interpretive vocal delivery must harmonize perfectly—a collective effort rather than individual accomplishment.

    The artist describes her relationship with her voice as an evolving dynamic, emphasizing the importance of continual experimentation and self-surprise. Her recording experience with ‘Ghafoor’ unexpectedly revealed previously unknown playful dimensions of her artistic persona.

    Addressing her special connection with Dubai audiences, Rao expresses heartfelt appreciation for the city’s consistent support since her first visits around 2010-2011. She cherishes the warmth shown by fans, radio jockeys, and event organizers alike.

    Currently, Rao defines success not through individual achievement but as the collective experience created with her team for audiences. She maintains an open, unplanned approach to future projects, valuing creative spontaneity with collaborators. The singer concludes with deep gratitude to global listeners whose support has shaped her career, expressing hope for shared musical moments in the coming year.

  • Crystals and LEDs: a look at the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball

    Crystals and LEDs: a look at the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball

    New York City’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebration is set to receive a spectacular upgrade with the unveiling of the ‘Constellation Ball,’ scheduled to make its debut descent in Times Square to mark the arrival of 2026. This revolutionary design represents a significant evolution from its predecessors, masterfully blending traditional crystalline elegance with cutting-edge LED technology.

    The spherical structure, which serves as the visual centerpiece of the global celebration, incorporates a sophisticated arrangement of crystal panels. These are meticulously engineered to interact with an advanced internal lattice of multicolored LED lights, creating an unprecedented prismatic effect. The innovative illumination system is capable of generating millions of color combinations and dynamic patterns, transforming the ball into a mesmerizing celestial body that appears to dance across the night sky.

    This technological marvel continues the rich tradition that began in 1907, symbolizing both continuity and progress. The integration of sustainable, energy-efficient lighting systems reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining the dazzling visual spectacle expected by the millions of spectators who witness the event both in person and through global broadcasts. The Constellation Ball stands as a testament to how tradition and innovation can coalesce to create new forms of public celebration and artistic expression.

  • Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo and Warvick Davis star in Britain’s New Year honours

    Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo and Warvick Davis star in Britain’s New Year honours

    The United Kingdom’s prestigious New Year Honours List for 2026 has recognized exceptional contributions across various sectors, with prominent entertainment figures receiving some of the highest accolades. His Majesty King Charles III’s honors list celebrates both renowned celebrities and unsung heroes who have significantly impacted British society.

    Among the distinguished recipients, acclaimed actor Idris Elba received knighthood for his dedicated anti-knife crime activism working with youth communities. Elba, internationally celebrated for his performances in ‘Luther’ and ‘The Wire,’ has leveraged his platform to address critical social issues affecting young Britons.

    Olympic ice dancing legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, whose iconic 1984 Bolero performance remains etched in sporting history, were respectively honored with damehood and knighthood. Their perfect-scoring routine at the Sarajevo Olympics represented a landmark achievement in British sports history.

    Additional entertainment luminaries recognized include Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar-nominated, Emmy, Grammy and Tony award-winning actress known for her starring role in the 2024 musical film ‘Wicked,’ who received an Order of the British Empire (OBE). Warwick Davis, the versatile actor from ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Harry Potter’ franchises and founder of dwarfism charity Little People UK, was similarly awarded an OBE for his contributions to both arts and philanthropy.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended the honorees, stating: ‘This year’s honours list celebrates the very best of Britain—people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.’

    The honors system, established in 1890, aims to recognize both prominent figures and those whose dedicated service has often gone unnoticed. All recipients will formally receive their awards during investiture ceremonies scheduled for later in 2026 at royal residences including Buckingham Palace.

  • ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ second teaser features Thor preparing for ‘last battle’

    ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ second teaser features Thor preparing for ‘last battle’

    Marvel Studios has released its second highly anticipated teaser for ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ showcasing Chris Hemsworth’s Thor in a deeply personal moment of preparation for what appears to be the character’s final monumental conflict. The teaser debuted exactly one week after the first preview featuring Chris Evans’ Captain America revelation during ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ screenings.

    The newly unveiled footage presents Thor in a serene forest setting, engaged in solemn prayer to his deceased father Odin, seeking divine strength to protect his adopted daughter Love. This emotional sequence marks a significant character development first introduced in 2022’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder.’ The teaser offers a brief glimpse of Love, portrayed by Hemsworth’s real-life daughter India Rose Hemsworth, whose character originates as the child of villain Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale).

    Scheduled for December 18, 2026 release, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ assembles an unprecedented ensemble cast from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hemsworth will join forces with returning veterans including Chris Evans’ Captain America, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Simu Liu against the formidable antagonist Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.

    The film represents Marvel’s most ambitious crossover event, integrating characters from multiple franchises including the newly cast ‘Fantastic Four’ stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Additionally, the production will incorporate ‘Thunderbolts’ ensemble members Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, and Lewis Pullman.

    In a groundbreaking cinematic unification, ‘Doomsday’ will also feature legendary actors from Fox’s X-Men universe, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Kelsey Grammer, Alan Cumming, James Marsden, Channing Tatum, and Rebecca Romijn, creating the most extensive superhero ensemble in film history.

  • Heated Rivalry author says TV success led to help with her Parkinson’s

    Heated Rivalry author says TV success led to help with her Parkinson’s

    Canadian author Rachel Reid has experienced an extraordinary medical breakthrough stemming directly from the television success of her acclaimed romance novel series. The 45-year-old writer, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in summer 2023, revealed that the publicity surrounding the TV adaptation of her ‘Game Changers’ book series has connected her with world-class neurological care that was previously inaccessible.

    The phenomenon began when ‘Heated Rivalry,’ Reid’s story about a clandestine relationship between two professional hockey players, became an international television sensation following its November premiere. During promotional interviews for the series, director Jacob Tierney unexpectedly discussed Reid’s Parkinson’s diagnosis on CNN. This disclosure prompted one of the world’s leading Parkinson’s specialists to reach out directly to the author offering assistance.

    Reid described the development as transformative, explaining she had been on a five-year waiting list for specialist care in her small Canadian community. The expert not only secured her an appointment with a top neurologist within weeks but also provided immediate medication adjustments that dramatically improved her sleep quality and writing capacity.

    The author candidly discussed how Parkinson’s has impacted her creative process, noting difficulties with mouse control, typing endurance, and prolonged sitting. These challenges have forced her to reconsider her writing methodology, potentially adopting voice-to-text technology despite its unnatural feel.

    ‘Heated Rivalry,’ the first installment in Reid’s six-book series published since 2018, features actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as the hockey players navigating secret romance amid professional rivalry. The series, adapted and directed by Jacob Tierney, premiered in North America in late November and is scheduled for UK release on January 10th via Sky and streaming service Now.

    Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition characterized by reduced dopamine production, causes symptoms including tremors, slowed movement, and muscle rigidity. Reid’s experience demonstrates how public visibility through entertainment success can unexpectedly create life-changing healthcare opportunities.